Below is the different kinds of wine we tasted. The descriptions were given to us on a handout when we went to the restaurant.
Old World Wine vs. New World Wine
Bodegas Nekeas (Vega Sindoa) - Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
"Nekeas is one of the northernmost vineyards on the peninsula in Navarra, Spain. Cultivation of the grapes is only possible thanks to the presence of the Sierra Perdon, which provides a mountainous barrier protecting the Nekeas Valley from teh cold winds of the Pyrenees. Although the Valley of Valdizarbe has always been considered one of the best areas of production in Navarra and viticulture there is centuries-old, it almost disappeared due to the depressed prices of grapes and extreme weather conditions. This winery is one of the first to bring the vineyards back to the valley by the hands of an energetic winemaker, Concha Vecino. Sweet, tobacco-accented aromas of cassis, cherry, plum and and spicecake. Pliant and round with succulent dark berry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of cracked pepper. Finishes juicy and long, with a lingering suggestion of dark cherry. This is already delicious."
Dante - Reserve Cabernet 2009
"Michael Pozzan Winery is owned and operated by Michael and Mary Ann Pozzan. The Dante Wine Collection was inspired by Michael's travels through the Tuscan countryside and is named after their eldest son, Michael Dante Pozzan. The Cabernet fruit is sourced from vineyards in Lodi, and is rich and fleshy with wonderful cherry and smokey sage fruit upfront. Medium tannins with earthy mineral, dried berry and currant fruit that's full-bodied in the finish. Drinks great now, and will improve over the next few years. Pair it with juicy barbecued rib eye or roast duck. It is even great after dinner with one of my favorite cigars. It spends nine months in American oaks."
Buitenverwachting - Beyond Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
"This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12km from False Bay, originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. Crafted by critically acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats, this juicy, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers bright flavors of black currant and plum, with gentle licorice and herbal notes. Peppery redcurrant and menthol on the slightly reduced nose. At once plump and energetic with ripe acidity perking up the redcurrant and licorice flavors and giving structure to the wine. Finishes with a soft dusting of tannins, and good sweetness and breadth for a wine in this price range."
Along with this marvelous wine, we were served seared butternut squash with caramelized shallots, truffled lamb ravioli, and blue cheese tart with celery salad. The food was delicious. All of it was homemade. They all paired well with the wine.
Now you ask... How did I like the wine??
Well, let's start with the first wine from Spain. It was kind of bitter. I could taste the tannins. I could also taste the plums and pepper. This wine was my second favorite out of the three.
The second wine from California was my absolute favorite. It went down smooth. It was fruity. I thought this one was sweeter than the others.
And for the last wine from South Africa. I wasn't a huge fan of this wine. It didn't go down as smoothly as the other ones and was tart. I think the reason I didn't like this wine was because I don't like licorice. If I liked licorice, I'm sure this wine would have been my favorite.
Below is a picture taken on my cellphone at the restaurant of the wine. Not the best picture in the world, but you get the idea.
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